Photo credit: www.androidauthority.com
In a familiar twist of innovation, Google has once again refreshed its offerings with the introduction of people tracking in the Find My Device app, part of its March Feature Drop for Android users. Having extensively employed Google Maps for location sharing, I was curious to see if this new feature would replicate existing functionalities or provide enhanced capabilities. After eagerly awaiting the update on my device, I embarked on a testing journey to uncover the realities of this integration.
On the positive side, this feature works seamlessly, consolidating location sharing with existing functionalities of Google Maps into the Find My Device app. This means users now have a unified platform for tracking both their devices and their contacts. However, one can’t help but question the delay in rolling out a feature that feels like a straightforward adaptation of an already established tool. Furthermore, some options offered in Maps were notably absent in this new iteration. Let’s explore these aspects in detail.
Getting Started with Find My Device for People
If your device has been updated to version 3.1.277 of the Find My Device app, you’re likely to see a new People tab at the bottom of the screen, currently labeled as a beta feature. This designation seems somewhat puzzling since the core functionality has been available through Google Maps for several years. Nevertheless, Google seems determined to present this as a novel offering.
The interface includes two sub-tabs: one for sharing your location and another to view the locations of those who have shared theirs with you. To facilitate testing, I cleared all previous location shares in Google Maps and initiated location sharing with my husband using the Find My Device app.
Upon following the straightforward prompts, I was able to easily configure how long to share my location—options ranged from hours to a specific timeframe, or until manually turned off. I could share directly with someone from my contacts or generate a link for sharing through any other messaging platform.
After setting up location sharing between my phone and my husband’s, we began testing in various scenarios, such as grocery shopping and during our day trips. Both of us carry Android devices, and the results mirrored my previous experiences with Google Maps; our locations were updated frequently, with delays never exceeding five minutes throughout our outings.
Understanding the Integration of Find My Device and Google Maps
Interestingly, the shared locations simultaneously appeared on Google Maps, highlighting that both applications function under the same umbrella of Google Location Sharing. This integration is indeed a positive since it avoids the need for a distinct sharing setup and ensures continuity in user experience.
The displayed information across both apps is largely similar, although Find My Device boasts a more contemporary design consistent with Material You aesthetics. Users are able to view their contacts’ locations, the time of the last update, and whether the other person can see their location as well. Additionally, Find My Device indicates the distance between users.
Further details about the shared contact can be accessed by tapping on their name, revealing additional data like battery level, guidance for directions, and options to stop sharing one’s location. Users also have a menu available to refresh the location at will, conceal it from the map, or block location visibility entirely.
Room for Improvement
While Find My Device’s incorporation of people tracking is commendable, it still lacks certain functionalities that have been integral to Google Maps for some time.
One significant shortcoming is the absence of Notification settings, which permit users to receive alerts when a shared contact enters or exits a pre-defined location, such as the workplace. This feature plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals, especially when families or partners rely on each other for support, particularly in unfamiliar environments. Many users utilize such alerts for peace of mind rather than intrusive monitoring. The lack of this feature in Find My Device is disappointing, especially considering its availability in Maps and comparable offerings in Apple’s Find My feature.
Addtionally, Google Maps allows for home screen shortcuts dedicated to tracking specific contacts, a convenience that Find My Device currently lacks. Presently, there are no widgets available for location tracking within Find My Device.
As it stands, although location sharing is operational within Google’s newly updated Find My Device, the absence of these essential features from Google Maps leaves much to be desired. For the time being, I find little incentive to switch from Google Maps for tracking someone’s location. I will continue using Maps until Find My Device receives necessary enhancements post-beta phase or introduces unique features not available in Maps.
Source
www.androidauthority.com